5 things to do with the kiddos on a rainy day (without breaking the bank)

I'm a mom. And if you're a mom like me, when you look outside in the summer and it's raining, you sigh knowing your little ones likely aren't going to burn off all that extra energy at the pool or beach today. But alas! There are still fun places you can take your little ones, without emptying your wallet. Here are a few places in the Granite State that cost $5 or less per child.

5. Puppies/Kittens and everything in-between - Pet stores and your local animal shelter are great places to check out when the weather isn't great outside. But beware, you may end up coming home with a four-legged furry friend.

4. The New Hampshire Aviation Museum - The Aviation Museum on Navigator Road in Londonderry offers a glimpse into New Hampshire's aviation history. An added bonus, located next to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport you can see the planes take-off and land, especially fun for the little ones. Admission to the museum is free to kids under 12, and just $2.50 for older kids. The museum itself is only open Friday-Sunday and a few Thursdays in the summer, but you can watch the planes all day, every day.

3. Make it a Movie Morning - Until the end of August, Regal Cinemas in Concord offers $1 kids movies Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10.

2. Crafting Fun – Michaels Stores offers a Camp Creativity for $5 a session a child from 10 a.m.-noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until the end of July. Durham Main Street Makery has a weekly DIY $5 craft. Pop in Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

1. Libraries – Libraries are a great place to go on a rainy day. Many local libraries will host story hour and other fun activities for the little ones and the best part is, it’s free!

At the Manchester Public Library for example, they offer several activities like preschool dance parties, reading parties (with therapy dogs involved), crafts, lego labs and much more. Many of the activities are held in rooms with limited space, so library staff encourages you to sign up ahead of time online.

At the Portsmouth Public Library, they have many of the same types of programs as Manchester and others like toddler time, puppet shows, and summer movies.

In Concord, they have weekly lapsit, toddler tales and family storytime.

And at most public libraries, you don’t need a library card to join in the fun.

Honorable Mention. The Children's Museum in Dover - With a $10/per person (1+) fee the Children's Museum doesn't really fit into this list, but there are plenty of ways to get discounted tickets including: many libraries will allow you to reserve ½ price tickets for four people, retired and active military members and their families get in free all summer and those with an EBT card along with their families pay just $1 a person.

Know some more ways to pass those rainy summer days? Tell us in the comment section below.